MLB Submits Retooled Application For Cuba To Play In WBC

MLB has resubmitted an application to the U.S. Treasury Department requesting that Cuba be allowed to participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic, according to Jack Curry of the N.Y. TIMES. MLB VP/Int'l Business Operations Paul Archey said that the revised application “would guarantee that Cuba would not receive money” from the U.S. for playing in the tournament and that baseball and Cuban officials “were investigating ways to distribute the money that Cuba would have made.” Baseball officials also indicated that they would “pay for travel and lodging costs for the Cuban team.” Archey noted that the arrangement “would be the same as when other Cuban athletes had competed” in the U.S. Under WBC rules, the national federation of each participant is guaranteed at least 1% of net revenue and that percentage “increases as teams advance.” The champion receives 10%. Archey: “I’m very optimistic that we’ve addressed the concerns that the Department of Treasury had given us” (N.Y. TIMES, 12/23). Cuba’s government said that it will “donate any money received at the tournament to Hurricane Katrina victims” (USA TODAY, 12/23).

MARKING TERRITORY: Amateur Baseball Federation of Puerto Rico President Israel Roldan has sent a letter to Int’l Baseball Federation (IBAF) President Aldo Notari saying Puerto Rico was withdrawing its participation as a tournament host because the Treasury Department, “in violation of the Olympic regulations,” is not allowing Cuba to compete in the events. San Juan is slated to host games in the first two rounds. MLB VP/PR Pat Courtney said, “We haven’t received anything from the (Puerto Rican) federation with regards to this situation. ... But we will continue to be in communication with them to address their concerns” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 12/23).

Cuban MLBers Like Hernandez To Play In WBC?

GO THE DISTANCE: In Miami, Oscar Corral reports WBC organizers have “shunned the idea of allowing Cuban-American players in [MLB] to play as the Cuba team because the rules require that teams be represented by their own national baseball federations.” Courtney said that MLB “doesn’t have the right to recognize federations. ... That responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the [IBAF].” Eddie Oropesa, part of a group of former Cuban-American MLBers that met with U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) to lobby for a team, said that MLB will not let them play because “they weren’t organized; they didn’t have enough players; and they couldn’t fill a stadium” (MIAMI HERALD, 12/23). Ana Carbonell, chief of staff for Diaz-Balart, said that the players “are sending letters to President Bush, MLB and the [MLBPA] stating their case and seeking help. ... They are also asking for withdrawal of the invitation to the Cuban national team” (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/23).